Unemployment rate at lowest level in over a decade figures out today show

Published:10:37Updated:10:39Wednesday 14 December 2016

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Unemployment remains at the joint lowest rate for over ten years, down nearly 900,000 people since 2010

31.8 million in work, up by 2.7 million over the past six years

Average wages excluding bonuses grew by 2.6% over the last year

The labour market has finished a record breaking year with unemployment down by over 100,000 people and the rate running at 4.8%.

There continues to be 31.8 million people in work, up by 2.7 million since 2010, new figurs released by the Government today, Wednesday December 14, show.

The number of women in work is at a record high of almost 15 million and long term unemployment is down by 31,000 since July.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Damian Green said: “This year will be remembered as one when so many records were made – employment has consistently been running at an all-time high with more women, older workers and ethnic minority groups in work than ever before.

“Encouragingly, this good news was extended right across the UK.

“But there is more to do to help people of all backgrounds and abilities into work, which will remain a priority as we press ahead with our welfare reforms that are ensuring it always pays to be in work.”

Today’s figures also show:

* Long-term unemployment has fallen to 418,000 and is the lowest it has been since 2008, down 31,000 on the quarter; and

* Youth unemployment is 587,000, a fall of 350,000 since 2010.

Separate figures, also out today, have revealed that over 850,000 claims have been made to Universal Credit. Of the 420,000 people now receiving Universal Credit, 41% are in work.